Queensland Reds name Scott Higginbotham captain

Coach Brad Thorn has appointed Scott Higginbotham captain of the Queensland Reds.

It is Higginbotham's second time as captain of a Super Rugby team, having previously led the Melbourne Rebels in 2014-15.

Back-rower Higginbotham played 13 matches in his return season for the Reds last year and also broke through for two Test caps against Fiji and Scotland in the June window.

The 31-year-old is one of the most experienced members of the current Queensland squad with 123 caps for the state and 34 Test caps for Australia, while he is also the most prolific try-scoring forward in Super Rugby history.

James Slipper was nominally the Reds' skipper last season but was injured for most of the year, with Samu Kerevi filling the role in his absence.

"I'm very honoured to captain the Reds. Being appointed to this position by someone such as Brad means a great deal to me," Higginbotham said.

"It's great to lead such a young, exciting and positive bunch of blokes. I've had the privilege of being captain of another Super Rugby team, and that experience will help me now.

"I'm also privileged to have the support of other strong leaders in the team, like Samu and James who have done the role previously. That is only going to strengthen our side."

Thorn said Higginbotham would lead by example.

"He's a humble guy who works hard and strives to get the best out of himself and everyone around him," Thorn said.

"He has experienced success at the Reds previously, but returned to Ballymore ahead of the 2017 season because he felt he had something to contribute to Queensland's future success and it's clear to everyone how much he cares about this place."

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